BRYON CENTER, Mich. -- Jerold and Mani Clay finally tied the knot after meeting over 10 years ago and wanting to get married for the last three years. But their special day didn't come easy: they're both homeless and looking for work.
"The circumstances that bring two people together are never the same," said Kenneth Kibby, who officiated the ceremony.
Kibby has married over 100 couples in his home over the past 11 years. "Everybody's situation is different," he said. "I have no idea what they’re going through. I have no idea what got them to where they're at."
Prior to the couple's wedding day, the bride and groom didn't even have proper attire for the wedding, nor did they have a place to welcome their guests.
Mel Trotter Ministries provided the bride with a wedding dress, a bouquet, and accessories. The groom was also dressed for the occasion, in a suit and tie.
Botega Salon provided Mani with wedding day hair and makeup. And Kibby married the couple free of charge.
"He needs it [the money] more than I do," Kibby said "It’s the right thing to do. These are two people trying to get their lives together, and God has blessed me with a lot. So I feel like it’s my job to return the favor."
The bride and groom were both overjoyed.
"It meant something to me today, it brought a little tear to my eye," said the groom, Jerold.
"It was a blessing. I didn’t expect this at all," Mani said. "We just wanted to do it casual with a few friends and family, and they came to me and made this happen, the dress, makeup, hair and everything, and it meant a lot."
"I only hope God leads them on their right path to get to the right place in their lives," Kibby said.
